Office Product Key

Hi there!
I have installed office 2000 on a few machines at work, then when I go into any office application ie Word and go to Help, then About Word it gives me a 20 digit OEM number instead of the 25 digit product key I used to install it. Why is this? Should it do this?

The installation key code (for install) and the product ID number are two different things. And, yes, it should be that way. You cannot, for instance, take that product ID and use it as the key code to install on another PC.

Lamc, there is no way a question like this is worth 300 points. You may want to go to Community Support (link at left) and ask them to change points to that of an easy question at 50 points.

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LamcAuthor Commented: 2001-06-14

Dreamboat,

How can I check to ensure that the Product ID number we have matches the installation key code we have on the licenses??

Tech Support gives me the installation disks because I need to reinstall some drivers or dll files or something.

I look into my registry to find the key code, take the CDs home overnight (they'll never notice), and install it at home. Makes piracy too easy--it's already easy.

The installation key code is not stored anywhere. It is used by the installation as more of a "password" than anything. I'm almost certain that all we do is count our licenses, then go around and count the installations...

You know, you may want to post a zero-point question in the networking and/or Windows topic areas with a link to this question. You could title it something simple, like "Please see this question". There may be people there that are more familiar with these issues. People who use and troubleshoot Office are, I believe, more software-oriented, and less involved in installation processes.

Please request that community support delete this question and return your points to you.

Thank you.

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teacher_modCommented: 2001-06-27

lamc,

Grading tips... These are borrowed from Darinw from when he was on
CS staff...

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do so.

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I have re-graded this question to reflect the actual value of the response
given.

teacher_mod
Community Support Moderator
Experts-Exchange
teacher_mod@experts-exchange.com